Cooperative education is an education model practised by the technikon sector, with experiential learning being the work-based learning component of the qualification. This research focused on the preparation of the student for the experiential learning workplace. The literature reviewed related mainly to applicable education and legislation-related aspects and existing opportunities to prepare students for the workplace. The study undertaken was viewed in the South African context and that of the Technikon Witwatersrand student whose qualifications had an experiential learning component. The research was conducted in two phases. The first phase of the study revolved around the collection and analysis of the survey data, the respondents being full-time third year Faculty of Business Management students. The Seven Steps of Planning design by Vella (2001) was used to develop the optimised solution, of the second phase of the research. Notable findings of the research were the important role ascribed to the lecturer in the experiential learning process, the clear need for a formalised, structured programme covering all aspects of preparation of the student for the workplace and the impact experiential learning had on academic throughput. The design of the course 'Get into Gear for Your Career' was outlined, with an actual session plan for one of the five sessions being presented. Further research opportunities were identified. The research objectives were deemed to have been achieved. An implementable optimised solution to the research problem was proposed, a solution that would be applicable not only for the preparation of students for experiential learning placement, but providing them and all other job seekers with skills and knowledge for a lifetime of job and even career changes.